24-Hour ‘dumsor’; woes of Ghanaians intensifies

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has now started implementing a 24- hour power rationing plan.

Under the new schedule, customers are expected to experience 24 hours power outage (lights off) popularly called dumsor in the local parlance; and have power restored for the next 12 hours.

It is the first time in the country’s history that the people have to experience power outage for as long a period as 24 hours and also the longest period of load shedding – since May 2012 to date.

President John Mahama had pledged ahead of the 2012 elections that his administration would resolve the dumsor problem by 2013, but three years down the lane, the power crisis is still with the country, collapsing industries and small scale businesses.

“The power crisis will be a thing of the past by the end of 2013,” Mr. Mahama said at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Presidential debate prior to the 2012 general elections.

Some of the effects of the power crisis are that Ghanaians have to battle with increased cases of night marauders (armed robbers) and school children are having difficulties in doing their homework.

Students are running to where they can get electricity to study and do their assignments, risking being attacked by miscreants.

No Timetable The situation is so unpredictable that Public Relations Manager for ECG, William Boating, says Ghanaians should not expect a regular timetable for the load shedding since it could not be followed holistically due to shortfalls.

Mr. Boating, who spoke on Accra-based Oman FM last week, said a quantum of generation was needed for the drawing of a timetable for the country.

“As it is now,” Mr Boateng indicated, “the deficit is so high that that there is no specific quantum to draw the timetable for the entire country.”

Upcoming Demo Meanwhile, a group of Ghanaians who go under the name ‘Concerned Ghanaians,’ are planning to stage a massive demonstration on Independence Day, Friday, March 6, 2015 against the erratic electricity supply.

The intended demonstration, which is set to take place in the capital city, Accra, has already started gaining momentum with dumsor-branded T-shirts already out. Some have started placing orders for the T-shirts which have ‘dumsor’ boldly inscribed in front.

Organizers of the demonstration have therefore urged all Ghanaians to forget their political colours and join in the march since the energy crisis affects members of both the governing and the opposition parties.

“Sitting on the fence is not an option.Join the march. Let us show that we love our country. Let us show that we care,” the group posted on the Facebook page whiles urging all patriotic citizens to stand up and be counted.

Meanwhile, pressure group OccupyGhana has thrown its weight behind the Concerned Ghanaians.

Other pressure groups are said to have also expressed interest in joining the demonstration, urging all Ghanaians to help save the country.